Help a Black Father Pursuing Doctorate Dreams
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Thank you for taking the time to read about Brian's journey toward receiving his doctorate in clinical psychology.
Brian is passionate about helping others, and is passionate about creating more diversity in the psychology world. Throughout Brian's experiences with education and the mental healthcare system as a Black man it became painfully aware to him that there are very few mental health professionals that look like him. There is an enormous stigma in the Black community around addressing and seeking support for mental health needs. Brian's goal is to work toward de-stigmatizing mental health needs in general, but more specifically in the Black community.
Brian is currently in his second year of his doctorate program at West Chester University and is finding funding to be a hindrance to pursuing this longtime personal and professional goal. Research shows that financial barriers are significantly to blame for a lack of diversity in the field of mental health. We do not want money alone to be the reason that Brian is unable to pursue this dream.
Brian has worked as a mental health therapist for 5 years, and believes continuing his education is the best way to contribute more to this field. He has started a club for future, Black psychologists within his school community, and is actively working with West Chester University's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subcommittee to reduce barriers preventing underrepresented populations from obtaining graduate level education.
On top of pursuing a doctorate degree, Brian is also a full-time parent to his daughter, Zara. She is 21 months old and the light of his life. She is motivation to help create a world where Black and Brown individuals feel they have a right to seek mental healthcare, and have access to a provider that looks like them.
Brian and I would greatly appreciate any donation toward his educational expenses. All money raised will go directly to his tuition. We understand that this is an extremely difficult time for many people, and many may not have an ability to donate financially. It would also be helpful to have people sharing this fundraiser. So, if you would like to help in a way that doesn't involve financial contribution we would also greatly appreciate if you shared this with your network.
Thank you,
Jess (Brian's partner)
Brian is passionate about helping others, and is passionate about creating more diversity in the psychology world. Throughout Brian's experiences with education and the mental healthcare system as a Black man it became painfully aware to him that there are very few mental health professionals that look like him. There is an enormous stigma in the Black community around addressing and seeking support for mental health needs. Brian's goal is to work toward de-stigmatizing mental health needs in general, but more specifically in the Black community.
Brian is currently in his second year of his doctorate program at West Chester University and is finding funding to be a hindrance to pursuing this longtime personal and professional goal. Research shows that financial barriers are significantly to blame for a lack of diversity in the field of mental health. We do not want money alone to be the reason that Brian is unable to pursue this dream.
Brian has worked as a mental health therapist for 5 years, and believes continuing his education is the best way to contribute more to this field. He has started a club for future, Black psychologists within his school community, and is actively working with West Chester University's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subcommittee to reduce barriers preventing underrepresented populations from obtaining graduate level education.
On top of pursuing a doctorate degree, Brian is also a full-time parent to his daughter, Zara. She is 21 months old and the light of his life. She is motivation to help create a world where Black and Brown individuals feel they have a right to seek mental healthcare, and have access to a provider that looks like them.
Brian and I would greatly appreciate any donation toward his educational expenses. All money raised will go directly to his tuition. We understand that this is an extremely difficult time for many people, and many may not have an ability to donate financially. It would also be helpful to have people sharing this fundraiser. So, if you would like to help in a way that doesn't involve financial contribution we would also greatly appreciate if you shared this with your network.
Thank you,
Jess (Brian's partner)
Organizer
Jess Asmus
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA
